Area wrestlers in the record books

I’m in the process of updating Journal Star area record books for wrestling. I might be getting into more than I bargained for here, but it’s well worth the effort and fun to see what this area has done on the mat over the years.

There have been some very impressive wrestlers, both on the small-school and large-school level through the years, with rather gaudy records and credentials to their credit. Already with 121 wins for his career in less than three full years, Washington junior Dylan Reel could become the JS area’s winningest wrestler before he goes off to college.

To whet your appetite, here’s what the IHSA website has in a select few categories:

Most matches won, career

1st — 201, Garrett Goebel, Lombard Montini, 2004-2008

14 — 176, Eric Siebert, LaSalle-Peru, 1989-92 (176-10)

28 — 166, Ty Taylor, Princeton, 2005-08 (166-14)

41 — 160, Tony Siebert, LaSalle-Peru, 1991-95 (160-14-1)

41 — 160, Duke Burk, Peoria Notre Dame, 2002-2005

Most matches won, season

1st — 57, Garrett Goebel, Montini, 2007-08 (57-1)

40th — 49, Ty Taylor, Princeton, 2006-07 (49-3)

Most consecutive matches won, career

1st — 132, Ed Giese, Bensenville Fenton, 1979-81

15 — 83, Grant Hoerr, Morton, 1996-97

18– 82, Jeremy Hayes, Morton 1996-97 (Note: Jeremy Hayes was an amazing 130-2 in his career before burning out on the sport and not competing as a senior)

There’s plenty more, including Eric Siebert’s No. 1 ranking for most consecutive falls (4) and his No. 2 spot for most falls in a career (117). Duke Burk is listed eighth in the state for most falls in a career (110).

If you know of records the IHSA does not have, please let me know. I can be contacted at (309) 686-3214 or smorris@pjstar.com